The Zookasper goes into retirement

Campaigns | 8 April 2024

After 33 years and over 15,000 performances, Stefan Flinner is bowing out from the Zoo Kasper stage. At the age of 75, he is about to embark on a well-deserved retirement. More than two million visitors have enjoyed the amusing adventures of Kasper the zoo puppet and shared in the fun and games of Kasper, Gretel, Seppel, Grandmother and the cheeky monkey, Troll. For many families, the shows were an integral part of their visit to the zoo. And no wonder: there really are no puppet theatres quite like this one. Stefan Flinner crafted everything himself: from the more than 80 hand puppets and stage sets, to the puppet song he sang himself and the colouring sheets he handed out to the children in the audience after every performance.

Stefan’s departure marks the end of an era. Fortunately, some of his shows have been preserved for eternity ‒ to celebrate the puppet theatre’s 30th anniversary in 2021, a DVD was recorded live from the open-air Zoo Kasper stage. Nine of Stefan’s most popular shows were selected for the programme. The DVD is available for €12.95 at the zoo box office.

What happens next remains to be seen. Until then, various artists will continue to bring entertainment to the Zoo Kasper stage during events.

Dresden Zoo would like to express its heartfelt thanks to Stefan Flinner, whose performance style and passion for his puppet theatre made him truly one of a kind. He will always be a treasured member of our zoo family.